An esports tournament, where teams of players battle to win a specific video game, requires high-quality streaming broadband, not something you’d expect to find among rural Michigan’s tiny townships and vast farmland.
But that’s where Midwest Energy & Communications’ fiber internet and commitment to community come in to back today’s youth for tomorrow’s promise.
“The tournament allows talented high school students the opportunity to experience competitive sports in an arena, and it gives MEC a unique way to support kids who may someday become our customers or employees,” said Terry Rubenthaler, president and CEO of the Cassopolis-based electric cooperative.
MEC, in partnership with Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, recently hosted the third annual MEC X SMC Fiber Cup esports video game tournament, which drew teams from around the state, including Detroit, for prizes and recognition.
The idea of the tourney came about as MEC prepared to launch its 5 Gigabit broadband in 2023 and saw esport gamers as the perfect demographic that could take full advantage of the near-instantaneous speed.
The co-op soon connected with the college and sponsored SMC’s esports gaming arena, now named the MEC Esports Arena, to hold the tournament. This year MEC also engaged Calix, its software/hardware provider, to help cover the cost of the grand prize: Steam Decks, portable personal computers designed for gaming, for each member of the winning team. Other winners received gift cards and financial contributions to their schools.
“Partnerships to host a local esports tournament beautifully illustrate how much more impactful events can be when community members come together,” said Candy Riem, vice president, marketing and customer solutions.
Like many electric co-ops with fiber networks, MEC entered the broadband field to strengthen communications for its infrastructure and operate smart, more resilient electric grid technology like distribution automation and fault location, isolation and service restoration (FLISR).
MEC first connected members to retail internet in 2014 and has since achieved 35,500 broadband customers along its 8,300-mile fiber network that the co-op continues to expand.
The co-op expects the tournament, which attracted nine teams this year, to grow as esports develop in schools across Michigan.
“MEC is happy to support local esports programs as a way to give students an opportunity to develop teamwork, communication and other life skills that are usually practiced in traditional team sports such as football,” said Riem.
“With this tournament, our investment in students today is an investment in the future of the vibrant, sustainable rural communities of south Michigan.”
Cathy Cash is a staff writer for NRECA.